Friendship is a sweet gift that makes those bumpy times in life a little easier to endure. I’ve written about this group of women before, but I’m so excited to publish my first guest blog from my dear friend Rachel. She offers another perspective on the joys and sorrow of deep, lasting friendship. Enjoy!
This past Thursday she would have celebrated her 31st birthday. So this week we remembered her with handmade, love-filled creations sent to each other from different corners of the country. It seems like the perfect way to celebrate Courtney.
During my time in college I was blessed to meet and become friends with a special group of women who have shaped so much of who I am. What began as a freshman Bible study evolved into a friendship that is really more like a family. Each one of these women brings something unique and wonderful to our group and Courtney brought warmth and joy.
Let me describe her to you: She was one of those people who you feel at home around. Courtney set you at ease. She took time to listen to your story and to hear your heart so she really knew you. We love to remember how she was comfortable in her own weirdness and gave us permission to be our weird selves too. She introduced us to the hilarity of Flarp and Whoopie cushions even as adults. She instigated all-nighters, dance videos, secret missions to deliver fake love letters, and other silly late night college antics.
Making imperfect things beautiful
Courtney was a connector and an encourager. Those who knew her, know that Courtney loved to write notes and give homemade gifts. Some silly, some serious. She was so very creative. She would piece together works of art with things she found at thrift stores or…yes, in the dumpster. Courtney had a way of making imperfect things beautiful. I saw that in her creations and now looking back I also see that in her life. She was always honest about her struggles, her human-ness. It gave us a window into seeing the beautiful work Jesus was doing in and through her life. Even in the midst of battling cancer, she showed up for others in incredibly sacrificial ways.
The joy of friendship
Seven years. That’s how many years most of our group knew her and felt the joy of her friendship. When I look back on those seven years I see a life lived fully and extravagantly. I see Jesus working through sorrow, hardship, and brokenness. So when we receive our imperfect, but beautiful creations in the next few days (or weeks…because, you know-jobs, little ones, and pandemics) we will of course think of each other. But we will also think of Courtney and the gift of knowing her.
I really enjoyed meeting Courtney at Luke & Laurie’s wedding. She asked if she could sit next to me while we ate dinner. She did exactly as you mentioned, she made me feel at ease, and as an extrovert this thrilled me to know I was in the company of someone who wouldn’t mind conversing with a stranger. Immediately we both talked about our love for the Lord, how we knew Luke & Laurie, we shared bits and pieces of our lives, and then we enjoyed the general festivities of the wedding. After the reception she stayed behind and took initiative to help clean. Though my interaction with her was very limited, she was a joy to be around. She was kind with her words and actions. I’m glad you all were able to make such precious memories with her. It was a delight to have met Courtney and I’m glad to hear how her life and story continue to point others to Christ.
That was a wonderful story of the memories and joy of your friendship of friends! I love pictures with beautiful smiles and happy twinkling eyes! I love that my grandchildren love their teachers and they enjoy going to school.